chain of command

noun

1. a series of administrative or military ranks, positions, etc., in which each has direct authority over the one immediately below.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chain of command¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

James cascaded his directives down the chain of command through emails and intermediaries.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The loss of experienced staff has been exacerbated by the new decision-making process at the agency, which is largely controlled by political appointees, disrupting the traditional chain of command and slowing response times, employees said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The after-action report on the Palisades and Eaton fires, released last week, found staff lacked training and no clear chain of command.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“The chain of command was so short. Robin was acting with me, but also watching to see what I do and changing her performance to my reaction, which was amazing. It makes it very alive and kinetic.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The inquest heard a subsequent "miscommunication" through the chain of command meant details of of Webber's attempt to touch Gunner Beck's leg were lost.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• bureaucracy 
• hierarchy 
• network 
• structure